GBI Investigates Valdosta Police Department Officer Involved Shooting

September 29, 2016

Valdosta, GA - On Wednesday, September 28, 2016, about 6:00 p.m., the GBI Thomasville Field Office was contacted by Valdosta Police Chief Brian Childress who requested the assistance of the GBI regarding an officer involved shooting that took place in the 1600 block of Fresno Street in Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia. Preliminary information provided by Valdosta authorities indicates that Valdosta Police Officer Alyssa Shirey was dispatched to a call regarding the interference with child custody between a male and female. After the officer arrived, the officer then went to the residence on Fresno street where she made contact with an individual identified as Johnathan Lozano-Murillo. During the contact with Lozano, the female arrived and Lozano then attacked the female on the scene. Officer Shirey then became involved in the altercation attempting to protect the female from Lozano who was striking the female.

At some point during the altercation, Lozano produced a knife and began advancing on Officer Shirey. Officer Shirey had attempted to use a taser during the incident which was ineffective. Lozano continued to advance towards the officer with the knife and was subsequently shot by Officer Shirey. Lozano was transported from the scene via ambulance to a local hospital where he later died of his injuries. GBI Agents interviewed witnesses, processed the scene and collected evidence throughout the night and are continuing with their investigative actions, witness interviews and evidence processing currently. No additional information is available at this time. Once the investigation is complete, the GBI investigation and case file will be forwarded to the office of District Attorney David Miller for his review and any action deemed necessary by the District Attorney’s Office.